Building Community in Your Online Course - Introduction Video

Suggested Activity:

Record a sample introduction video

How to close the "distance" gap and build rapport in the online class

So how do teachers close the “distance” gap and build rapport

Close the “distance” gap and build rapport

Personality

Step 3 - Give the students a feel for your personality. Feel free to film a short video where you enjoy spending time. (Ex. hiking, boating, fishing, reading, etc.)

COURSE

EXPECTATIONS

BUILD COMMUNITY

PERSONALITY

TIPS FOR COURSE INTRO VIDEO

TECH SUPPORT

AVOID "DATING"

VIDEO

Goal = Building Community

COMMUNICATION

PREFERENCE

VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

Step 1 - Build rapport and establish relationships

This practice promotes learning, engagement, and retention.

Why is building community important?

• Humanizes your online course
• Establishes rapport
• Fosters learning

Ideas for Other Videos

• Step 11 -
• Teaching Style/Methodology
• Overview of Assignments/Projects
• How Students are Assessed

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Salary

Basic Recording Tips

• Step 10 -
• Good frontal lighting

• Keep it brief -3 minutes or less

• Be mindful of the setting that appears behind you.

• Speak clearly so you are audible.

Course Introduction Video

• Step 2 -
• Lets the students get to know you, see you and gain insight to your personality.
• Keep it simple and short
• Record from your IPhone or IPad

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Avoid "Dating" Your Video

Step 5 - Do not discuss dates or anything that will date the video, so you can use it again.

Who me?

Yes, you!

You can do this. You don't need an elaborate full production studio.

Technical Support

Step 9 -

• Remind students that you are not the tech support person.
• Let students know where to find support (student orientation).

SAMPLE VIDEO

Click to the view this video

Course Expectations

Course Success

Step 6 -

• Set clear expectations
• Outline objectives
• Provide sample discussion board posts

Step 4 - Tell the students how to be successful in your course.

Virtual Office Hours

Step 7 -

• Be available
• Post virtual office hours

Communication Preference

Step 8 -

• Email
• Phone
• Save questions for virtual office hours
• Expected response time

Dr. Farmakis has extensive experience in professional development, distance learning, and online instructional design both in K-12 and higher education. She has presented at national and state conferences on professional development and online learning and recently published her ebook, iLearn: Tips and Tricks for Online Learners for students new to online learning.

Dr. Kaulbach is currently the Vice President of Academic Services for Academic Partnerships and also serves as faculty at Sarasota University. She conducts faculty workshops for professional development on topics ranging from effective online pedagogy, instructional design, how to increase student engagement through robust online course design, and teaching online with technology.

Dr. Kaulbach earned her B.A. In Elementary Education & Music, her MAED in Instructional Leadership, and her EdD is in Educational Leadership.

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